home cooked dinners by the season

Grilled Jerk Chicken with Cilantro Lime Sauce

My inspiration for this recipe was a recent sailing trip to the British Virgin Islands. The warm, tropical temperature, the brilliant turquoise water and the laid back atmosphere of this part of the world are nothing short of amazing. Most of the beachside restaurants offered jerk chicken.

This recipe packs flavor. I’ve tried to keep the ingredients to a minimum while still all the necessary ones to make the marinade taste authentic. Habanero chiles are the small orange ones in the produce section. They are spicy! Be sure to remove the seeds (they have ¾ of the spiciness) and wash your hands, knife and cutting board thoroughly after touching them. I have given a range on the amount of the Habanero for those that like it spicier.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts pounded thinly make grilling go quickly. Bone-in and skin on chicken can be used and will have more flavor from the skin and bones.

The Cilantro Lime dipping sauce gives each bite of chicken a cooling effect.

Marinate the chicken in the jerk marinade, refrigerated, at least one hour or overnight, turning once during marinating.

For the Cilantro Lime Sauce, puree sour cream, cilantro, lime juice and honey until smooth; season with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate until using.

Preheat the grill to medium heat.

Grill chicken until cooked halfway, about 8 minutes; turn and cook until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165 degrees F) about 6-8 minutes longer. If using bone-in, skin on chicken breasts, put the skin side down on the grill first and allow about 10-15 minutes extra time for cooking.

Serve grilled chicken with Cilantro Lime Sauce for dipping and lime wedges for squeezing over chicken.

Once again, this became an instant favorite with the family. It seems that everything I make from Linda’s treasure trove of recipes is a big hit. She always makes me look good. My 12 year old literally licked the plate clean!! Kids helped me cook this time so they can make on their own next time – simply wonderful!!